motivate

[moh-tuh-veyt] / ˈmoʊ təˌveɪt /

VERB

stimulate, instigate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

drive excite galvanize incline inspire persuade prompt propel provoke spark spur sway trigger

STRONG

actuate arouse bring cause dispose draw fire goad goose impel incite induce innervate inspirit lead move pique predetermine predispose quicken rouse sound suggest whet

WEAK

egg on give incentive innerve prevail upon set afoot set astir touch off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

check discourage dissuade halt hinder prevent repress retard stop

STRONG

bore calm delay dishearten dull quiet slow

WEAK

depress disconcert

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“You would think that would motivate people,” said Tom O’Saben, director of tax content and government relations with the National Association of Tax Professionals.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

He says the hope it engenders can not only help people cope emotionally with a cancer diagnosis but can even motivate them to seek treatment.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

By prioritising this, he is seeking to motivate the party's core support and win back independence minded voters who have drifted away.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Campaigns set the per-signature price to motivate collectors, and the price tends to rise as the ballot deadline approaches.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

“What do I gotta do to motivate you two?”

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein

Vocabulary lists containing motivate

List 5

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Mother's Day Words: What Mothers Do

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